States that protect transgender health care now try to absorb demand

Waiting lists for gender-affirming health care are growing in states that declared themselves refuges for transgender people as bans for such care for minors take effect around the country. One of the largest states, Texas, has a ban that's supposed to take effect Sept. 1. That's contingent on a court hearing this week. It's not clear how much more lawmakers and government officials in refuge states can do to help build a network to serve more trans patients. The quest for gender-affirming care parallels abortion access in many ways. But gender-affirming care treatments are ongoing, so permanent access is key.